2019 - Best LPN Programs in Georgia

The state of Georgia is committed to improving patient healthcare outcomes by offering a number of schools with accredited licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs. With the nursing shortage, LPNs remain in high demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a nearly 12% increase in the field through the year 2026. If you are ready to join the ranks of these healthcare providers, it’s time to consider enrolling in an LPN program. Georgia LPNs earn around an hourly wage of $18.66 or annual salary of $38,820, which is roughly $5,210 less per year than national average.

Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Georgia? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Georgia are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 21 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 10 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

Details on Georgia LPN Schools & Classes

The process to become an LPN is fairly straightforward: graduate from an approved LPN program, and then take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to officially gain licensure. Many schools across Georgia offer LPN programs, from community colleges to technical schools and everything in between. LPN programs in the state offer a curriculum which may include the following course titles:

Structures and Functions of the Human Body

Nursing Fundamentals

Medical-Surgical Nursing

Maternity Nursing

Nursing Leadership

Accreditation

To find the LPN program that’s right for you, you’ll need to fully research Georgia’s offerings. One of the main ways to narrow down schools is to check for accreditations. Properly accredited schools and programs signify quality and high academic standards. National accreditation associations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing should endorse your program of choice, along with smaller, regional accreditations. The Georgia Board of Nursing can also provide students with a list of approved LPN programs.

Admission Requirements

While admission requirements may fluctuate from school to school, students will generally need to meet the following to be eligible for an LPN program in the state:

Applicants must be at least 17 years old

Submit official high school transcript or GED certificate

Take any applicable placement tests

Submit an application and pay any associated fees

Tuition and Costs

Believe it or not, LPN programs can be quite affordable. The short (1-2 years) nature of the program makes it much more affordable than other nursing degrees, such as registered nursing. Generally, students must be prepared to pay for tuition, mandatory fees, and any course materials. As an example, tuition for the LPN program at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville runs $89 per credit hour, plus applicable program fees. This does not include extras such as uniforms, background checks, test fees, and other expenses.

Georgia LPN Licensing Requirements

Attending a Georgia Nursing Board approved program is required to become an LPN in Georgia. Upon completion, the graduate must submit a criminal background check and pass the LPN Entrance Exam (NCLEX-PN). Graduates of an unapproved nursing program that do not meet the educational and practice requirements are required to complete a Board approved preceptorship, allowing them to gain clinical experience or practice in a healthcare facility located in Georgia. Lifting patients, pulling and pushing machinery, and extended periods of standing, squatting, walking, and running, as well as other strenuous physical activity may be required as an LPN.

NCLEX Exam Information

The licensure exam that LPN graduates are required to pass is the NCLEX-RN. This exam consists of roughly 100 questions that cover a range of nursing topics. For further information, a comprehensive overview of the NCLEX-PN can be found here, and students are encouraged to take the NCLEX-PN practice test to study for the real exam.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

In January of 2018, Georgia will implement and become part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). This will allow GA LPNs to practice within their state as well as any other member state within the eNLC. A big win for practicing LPNs. An Application for Licensure by Endorsement may be completed if an LPN from another state is seeking licensure in the state of Georgia. Other requirements include:

A high school diploma or GED Equivalent.

Be at least 18 years of age.

Completion of a board-approved LPN program or Army 68WM6.

Passing required testing—the NCLEX

Submitting proof of license from current state and state of origin.

Submitting proof of working as an LPN for at least 5 years preceding the application.

LPN Salary in Georgia By Area

The table below lists career information obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Georgia. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Top Ranked Georgia LPN Programs

1

Chattahoochee Technical College

980 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA30060 - (770) 528-4545 -

The Practical Nursing program at Chattahoochee Technical College provides a strong foundation in the practice of nursing, preparing students to function safely within the framework of the practical nursing role. Nursing theory is integrated with clinical experiences to afford the greatest opportunity for students to become clinically competent.

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA30021 - (404) 297-9522 -

Georgia Piedmont Technical College's Practical Nursing program provides academic and occupational courses with a variety of clinical experiences so that graduates are prepared to enter the fast-paced world of medicine and healthcare immediately upon graduation. The program is designed to prepare graduates to successfully complete the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a practical nurse.

Southeastern Technical College

3001 E. First Street, Vidalia, GA30474 - (912) 538-3100 -

Southeastern Technical College (STC) located in Vidalia, Georgia, with additional campuses located in Swainsboro, provides an innovative educational environment for student learning through both traditional education methods and distance learning options. STC provides students with a variety of degrees, diplomas, and technical certifications, as well as adult education, continued education, and customized workforce development.

Albany Technical College

1704 S Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA31701 - (229) 430-3500 -

Albany Technical College (ATC) is a public postsecondary institution located in Albany, Georgia, that provides technical education and training support for the evolving workforce development needs of the state. ATC utilizes traditional education and distance learning methods to benefit individuals, businesses, and the community by providing quality associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certifications, preparing students for employment.

Savannah Technical College

1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA30033 - (404) 679-4500 -

Savannah Technical College is located in Savannah, Georgia, with additional locations in Liberty, Effingham, Crossroads, and Fort Steward. Savannah Technical College is committed to providing dynamic education, academic, and workforce development need to students, employers, and the community, creating opportunities through classroom instruction and online coursework.

Overall Score: 95.49

6

Augusta Technical College

3200 Augusta Tech Dr., Augusta, GA30906 - (706) 771-4000 -

Augusta Technical College offers a competitive practical nursing program that prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam and to enter the workforce as an LPN. Enrolled students take a variety of academic and occupational courses, and clinical experiences are provided under the direction of qualified clinical instructors. Graduates go on to find employment in a variety of healthcare facilities.

Oconee Fall Line Technical College

1189 Deepstep Rd, Sandersville, GA31082 - (877) 399-8324 -

Oconee Fall Line Technical College, located in Sandersville, offers a practical nursing program aimed at giving students the skills they need to provide competent nursing care to patients of all ages. The curriculum weaves theory and practice throughout the coursework, and clinical experiences are emphasized throughout the framework.

Overall Score: 95.02

8

Lanier Technical College

2990 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, GA30566 - (770) 531-6300 -

Lanier Technical College (LTC), located in Oakwood, Georgia, with additional campuses located in Winder, Dawsonville, Cumming, and Commerce, serves as the workforce development resource for its surrounding counties, as well as a leading provider of career-technical education programs and customized business training.

Dalton State College

650 College Drive, Dalton, GA30720 - (706) 272-4436 -

The Practical Nursing program at Dalton State provides graduates with the knowledge and clinical expertise necessary to give direct nursing care to patients in a variety of settings. Some clinical experiences involve out-of-town travel and evening hours. The program of study includes general education and nursing theory which provides opportunities to care for patients of all ages.

Coastal Pines Technical College

1701 Carswell Ave, Waycross, GA31503 - (912) 287-6584 -

Coastal Pines Technical College, located in Waycross, offers an LPN certificate program to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles. The 57-credit hour program's curriculum includes courses in Maternity Nursing, Med-Surg Nursing, Nursing Fundamentals, and much more.